Heat pumps are quickly becoming the most popular HVAC option for many Americans, with sales of the clean heating technology surpassing gas furnaces for the first time in 2022.
The appeal of heat pumps comes from their ultra-efficient design, improved home comfort and generous government subsidies.
As heat pumps become more popular generally so too do the DIY installation options, most notably from companies such as Mrcool that sell DIY installation kits.
But are DIY heat pumps really a good idea? And what types of skills do you need to pull off your own installation?
Here’s how you can decide if a DIY heat pump is right for you.
Can you install your own heat pump?
Like most things, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. “It’s definitely more nuanced,” said Simon Bernath, founder and CEO of FurnacePrices.ca, an online buying guide for heating and air conditioning systems.
While you may not be playing with fire (as you would be with a furnace), heat pump installations are still pretty complex. “You still need to be fairly handy to do this,” Bernath said. There are benefits and drawbacks to a DIY installation, just as there are with professional services.
DIY Installation
Installing a heat pump system on your own can work in a few different scenarios, Bernath said.
First off: You need to have a baseline level of home improvement skills from other projects. “If you’re just a regular person, I’d advise not to” do DIY, Bernath said.
If you are experienced with other handiwork, Bernath said a ductless mini-split heat pump system is the easiest kind to install yourself. Ducted systems, where a heat pump unit connects to your home’s existing ductwork, are more complicated and almost never suited to DIY installation, Bernath said.
Doing a DIY installation is easiest if you buy one of the intended DIY kits from a company like MRCOOL, rather than buying a kit intended for professional contractors.
Of course, there are also risks to a DIY approach.
If you don’t do everything right, your heat pump might not work, at least not work at peak efficiency. Overlooking small details could lead to damage to your home, from a leaking condensate pipe, for example. And if you do have issues, most HVAC contractors will be hesitant to work on (or guarantee a repair on) a system they didn’t install, Bernath said.
Plus, if you install equipment that was intended to be used by professional installers, it might void a manufacturer’s warranty on the system.
Pros:
- Saving money on professional installation costs
- Using a dedicated DIY kit can make for an easier install
- Designing the systems to your precise preferences
Cons:
- Risking a malfunctioning system if not installed properly
- Potentially voiding warranties from the manufacturer
- Lack of ongoing maintenance support from a professional installer
Professional installation
Calling in a professional HVAC installer is how most people get their heat pumps — especially if it’s a totally new system.
Even if you decide to DIY parts of the installation, you could still opt for professional help for the electrical work, for example.
The benefit of going with a professional installer, of course, is that they will make sure your system is set up properly and can help fix issues down the line if they come up.
“It’s not just about the initial installation,” Bernath said. “That ongoing support is arguably just as important as the initial installation or even the brand you choose.”
Professional installation will of course be more expensive than a DIY approach, but it might be worth it in the long run to make sure your system is running at peak performance (which will then save you money on your utility bills).
Pros:
- Ensuring the system is properly installed
- Having someone to call for maintenance issues
- Keeping the manufacturer’s warranty on the system
Cons:
- Spending more money than you would on a DIY installation
- Potentially needing to wait for contractor availability
How much does it cost to install a heat pump?
The price for the labor involved in installing a heat pump varies, but it can cost as much or more than the cost of the equipment itself.
Depending on your home, the type of system you choose and where you live, the labor for installing a heat pump can cost as little as $500 or as much as thousands of dollars. Data from Angi suggest it generally costs $75 to $125 per hour per worker.
You can get a better sense of the costs by contacting a heat pump installer and getting a free installation estimate.
Don’t forget the cost of permits, which could add a few hundred dollars no matter who does the installation. But if you’re banking on a DIY installation saving time and hassle, add the burden of getting those permits yourself to the time and hassle column.
When should you call a professional heat pump installer?
Most homeowners are going to want to call a professional heat pump installer.
If you’re installing a heat pump for the first time to replace a different kind of heating system, you’re almost always going to want professional help, especially if you don’t have experience working with heating or electrical systems.
If you’re swapping in new equipment for an existing heat pump system, it might be easier to get away with a DIY installation.
“It’s best to err on the side of caution,” Bernath said. “When in doubt, deal with a professional.”
How should you pick an HVAC installer?
If you decide to call a professional, you’ll want to spend some time finding the right one.
Most HVAC contractors work with heat pumps now, so start by looking online, scanning reviews and seeking referrals from your friends and neighbors.
You’ll want to make sure an installer has the proper certifications and insurance for your area. And going with a company that’s been around for a long time bodes well for reliability.
When you’re asking for referrals or reading reviews, pay special attention to how the contractor handles ongoing maintenance and support. A swift installation is great, but you want to make sure they’ll be responsive if you need a repair in the future, Bernath said.
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